George Washington Papers

[Diary entry: 2 June 1769]

2. Went to Alexandria to Mr. Saml. Johnsons Funeral Sermon & returned to Dinr.

Samuel Johnston (Johnson) had been living on part of the Clifton’s Neck land that GW bought in 1760. He remained as a tenant, paying GW 1,013 pounds of tobacco annually for his lot, which was probably at least 100 acres. In 1762 Johnston leased two more lots in Clifton’s Neck from GW at the same rental fee. Johnston also ran a ferry from his land to the Maryland shore. His son, Samuel Jr., worked for GW in his wheat and tobacco crops from 1762 to 1764. Johnston was survived by his widow, Hannah, seven children (at least four of whom were married), and two grandchildren (General Ledger A description begins General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. description ends , folio 77, 132, 134, 200; King, Abstracts of Wills description begins J. Estelle Stewart King. Abstracts of Wills and Inventories, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1742–1801: With Rent Rolls for 1761 and 1774. 2d ed. Baltimore, 1978. description ends , 27).

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